Coast Guard Commandant presents Spirit of Hope Award

WASHINGTON — Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Bob Papp presented the Spirit of Hope Award to Mr. Ross E. Roeder at a Pentagon ceremony yesterday for his selfless dedication to the men and women of the U. S. Coast Guard.

The Spirit of Hope Award recognizes the outstanding service of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, entertainers and other distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service reflects that of Bob Hope, the award’s namesake. The award is presented annually by the five armed services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

WASHINGTON — Ross E. Roeder’s Spirit of Hope Award sits on display in the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Nov 15, 2011. The Spirit of Hope Award is presented annually by the five Armed Services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to recognize the outstanding service of men and women whose patriotism and service reflects the character of Bob Hope. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

WASHINGTON — Kelly Hope, son of Bob Hope, looks on as Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp presents the Spirit of Hope Award to Ross E. Roeder at an award ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Nov. 15, 2012. The Spirit of Hope Award is presented annually by the five Armed Services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to recognize the outstanding service of men and women whose patriotism and service reflects the character of Bob Hope. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

“Embodying Bob Hope’s legacy of service, Ross Roeder and the Coast Guard Foundation tirelessly supported Coast Guardsmen and their families in a wide variety of ways,” said Adm. Papp. “He is very deserving of this prestigious award and I am honored to present it to him.”

Mr. Roeder served as board chairman of the Coast Guard Foundation from 2005-2011. Under his tenure the Foundation expanded education, support, and relief programs to Coast Guardsmen and their families.

The Coast Guard Foundation honored Mr. Roeder’s continued interest and commitment to supporting the Coast Guard by creating a Ross Roeder Endowment Fund for morale projects near his hometown in Northern Michigan.

WASHINGTON — Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp congratulates Ross Roeder after he was awarded the Sprit of Hope Award at an award ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Nov 15, 2012. The Spirit of Hope Award is presented annually by the five Armed Services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to recognize the outstanding service of men and women whose patriotism and service reflects the character of Bob Hope. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.